German Shepherds are among the most beautiful breeds in the world and make wonderful family pets, but those who own German Shepherds should know that they sometimes have serious health problems. Buy your puppy from a reputable dealer and ask about health problems in the dog’s biological family.

Canine hip dysplasia is an abnormality in which the hip bones have an abnormally shallow place where the femur or femur is supposed to fit. When this happens, the joint may be loose and the dog may be lame. Painful arthritis can develop from this malformation. Constipation can also occur. Prevention includes feeding only what the dog strictly needs, as being overweight can be a contributing factor, providing a well-balanced diet with just the right amount of calcium, and providing moderate exercise such as running and swimming once the dog is adult. Once dysplasia has been diagnosed, aspirin can reduce inflammation and heat can help with pain. Orthopedic surgery is another option.

Elbow dysplasia is a malformation of the front legs, possibly due to abnormal growth rates. It can also cause loose joints and painful arthritis. Treatment consists of aspirin for inflammation or surgical correction.

Heart disease can also be a problem. Heart valve deformities are sometimes seen and treated with surgery to replace the deformed valves. Thickening of the heart muscles and irregular rhythms are also serious heart problems.

Gastric bloating or twisting of the stomach is problematic in large breeds with deep chests. For reasons that are not fully understood, the stomach twists painfully and its contents are trapped. It is a veterinary emergency.

Degenerative myelopathy or multiple sclerosis in dogs is a disease in which the immune system attacks the nervous system.

Von Willebrand disease is a deficiency of one of the blood clotting factors. Blood platelets, the cells responsible for clotting, cannot function efficiently without all the clotting factors. Dogs with von Willebrand disease bleed easily and should be watched for any signs of trauma or bleeding.

Hemangiosarcoma is a type of cancer that develops in the blood vessels and spleen. Dogs can show signs such as nosebleeds, fatigue, pale gums, abnormally rapid breathing, and swelling of the abdomen. Sometimes, if diagnosed early, surgery is possible, but the prognosis is poor.

Eye problems are also common in German Shepherds. Cataracts are a clouding of the lens of the eye, which can be removed surgically. Distichiasis refers to the growth of the eyelashes in abnormal places, which can cause irritation. Ectropion refers to the eyelids that do not close properly, causing exposure and irritation. Entropion is the internal growth of the eyelids, causing the lashes to rub against the eye and irritate it. Macroblepharon is an abnormally large skin opening for the eye. Persistent pupillary membranes are a birth defect in which the tissue that is supposed to disappear in the early puppy stage does not disappear. Progressive retinal atrophy affects the back of the eye where the image of light is projected. Night vision fails at first, and as the disease progresses, the dog becomes completely blind.

When looking for a German Shepherd, be sure to find a breeder who is in the field to improve the breed, rather than one who is running a puppy mill for profit. Attending German Shepherd Dog shows is a way to meet owners who are concerned about breed and good health. You can also speak to veterinarians who see many German Shepherds for advice on where to find a Shepherd puppy that does not have genetic disorders.

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